The second prize winning design proposal for the observatory on the top of Kelcsky Javornik takes advantage of its unique location in a hilly area located north of Zlin, Czech Republic. The landscape difference between the highland of Wallachia on one side and the flat land of Haná region on the other side was taken as the main principle of the design by Mimosa Architekti. The view is strictly directed to one side as visitors go up the structure giving the chance to view Haná‘s characteristic landscape on north or Wallachia on south. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The location is nowadays known mainly for its monuments and the beauty of the nature. Some of these monuments dates back to the period of Great Moravia (9th century). The main historical district is located on the top of Saint Hostyn hill where the basilica of the assumption of the virgin, calvary of Dušan Jurkovič and the chapel of St. John are situated. The location of this center creates the start point on the main path crossing the Hostyn hills.A little bit aside, situated on the north end of Hostyn hills, the ridge creates clearly defined border between Wallachia in Hostyn hills and the flat land of Haná region. The highest point of this ridge and the highest peak of whole Hostyn hills is called Kelcsky Javornik.
On the top deck of the tower the division disappears and the view unites into 360 degrees unobstructed view to the surroundings. The form of the tower follows this principle. The structure is made of timber with coated facades rendered with wooden lamelas. The skin creates a gradient with both increasing or decreasing density of lamelas. From completely open on the bottom to the fully closed sides on the top of the tower, the opacity of the facade helps to direct the view to Wallachia or Haná.
The structural principle till the height of 21,6 m is based on combination of vertical and horizontal elements together with diagonal staircases which in total works as a vertical truss. Top two floors above 21,6m are built as simple frame structure.
Architects: Mimosa Architekti Location: Zlín, Czech Republic Project Team: Pavel Matyska, Jana Zoubková, Petr Moráček, Kateřina Fryzelková Collaboration: Statikon solutions Ltd., Ing. Michal Kupka Client: Podhostynsky mikroregion Date: May 2012 Award: Shared 2nd prize (First prize was not awarded)
